Ex-Tory explains switch decision

A parliamentary candidate in Fylde is to stand against the party she has represented for 24 years as a councillor.

Elizabeth Clarkson will stand as a candidate for the newly-formed Northern Party for the Fylde Constituency.

Mrs Clarkson, of West Beach, Lytham, who represents the Ansdell ward and was a former Preston councillor, said she believed the Tories had let Lancashire down over the years.

She said: “Friends and ex-colleagues have initially been shocked that I am supporting the Northern Party.

“I have been fortunate to serve as a Conservative local councillor for 24 years in both Preston and the Fylde.

“But for many years I have become increasingly aware of how casually the three major parties have been ruling my beloved Lancashire from the wealthy city state of London without any care or affection.

“The major parties have concentrated power and wealth in the South of England and last year Scotland very nearly wrecked our United Kingdom.

“However, at this moment, neither Conservatives nor Labour looks likely to be able to govern without help from other parties.

“I’m standing because I want people in Fylde to be able to vote for taking back from London what the people of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, London, Bavaria, Catalonia and Massachusetts already enjoy. Home rule.”